a pluralistic functional analysis of...
TRANSCRIPT
A pluralistic functional analysis of
Biotechnology�Pieter Vermaas University of Delft �Ana Cuevas University of Salamanca�
�
Aim �
! To give a functional analysis of biotechnology for: �
! Proving that biotechnology can be analysed as a mixed between biology and technology without being committed to a uniform analysis of functions. �
! Identifying the peculiarity of genetic engineering. �
Introduction �
! What makes genetic engineering so special that its development and uses lead to ongoing attempts to check these developments and uses?�
! Genetic engineering can be considered as successor of domestication and breeding of organisms.�
! The controversies around GMOs and the threats of its dissemination raise the question of the peculiarity of genetic engineering. �
Introduction �
! We develop a general and abstract analysis of biotechnology: �
! genetic engineering can be accommodated as a special case. �
! Our general analysis of biotechnology is built on previous work by Dan Sperber (2007), in which biological and technical functions are different concepts. �
Introduction �
! Biotechnology is characterised in primarily functional terms, as symbiosis: �
! humans modify other organisms to let these organisms perform technical functions. �
! these technical functions may become biological functions of the organisms. �
Sperber’s functions�! Artifactual functions of an object: �• The intended effect for which agents make and use an object. �
! Biological functions of an object of kind K: �
• A phenotypical effect that helps explain why objects of kind K continue to be reproduced. �
! Cultural functions of “public mental behaviour” of kind K: �
• An effect that helps explain why behaviour of kind K continues to be reproduced. �
Artifactual function �
Biological function �
Cultural function �
All functions�
Three routes for biotechnology�
! Symbiosis is typically defined as an interaction between two organisms, which can be analysed in terms of b-functions.�
Symbiosis�
Three routes for biotechnology�
! We use Sperber’s analysis for describing biotechnology as symbiosis analysed in terms of a-functions and b-functions. �
Parasitism�
! Item x of organism z has a capacity Φ as an a-function for humans.�
! When interaction stops, the chances of reproduction of the organism decreases. �
Facultative mutualism�
! Item x of organism z has a capacity Φ as an a-function for humans and as a b-function for itself. �
! When interaction stops, the capacity Φ can still be a b-function for the organism. �
Obligate mutualism�
! Item x of organism z has a capacity Φ as an a-function for humans and as a b-function for itself. �
! When interaction stops, the capacity Φ stops to be a b-function for the organism. �
Dissemination �
! These three routes apply to all forms of biotechnology. �
! It allows us to identify the functional route which can amount to uncontrolled dissemination. �
Exotics�
! Organisms may disseminate beyond the confines of their original habitats and become to be introduced into ecosystems of which their species is originally not a part.�
! Are called exotics in ecology, �
! May disrupt those ecosystems even to a point that human well-being becomes endangered. �
Dissemination �
! Manipulated organism can become exotics too.�
! The facultative mutualism route leads inherently to uncontrolled dissemination of the manipulated organism. �
! Mechanisms to prevent dissemination are part of the parasitic and obligate mutualistic routes, whereas the facultative mutualistic route systematically creates the conditions for this dissemination.�
GMOs�
! A functional analysis of biotechnology is possible in terms of biological and technical functions.�
! These three routes allow an analysis of dissemination.�
! There is a peculiarity of GMOs and genetic engineering �
Uncanny GMOs�
! What makes GMOs different to modified organisms produced by more traditional forms of biotechnology, such as breeding?�
! By being of submicroscopic size or by being macroscopically similar to unmodified organisms, uncontrolled and disruptive dissemination of GMOs will have the characteristic of untraceable natural disasters (Alfred Nordmann). �
Uncanny GMOs�
! It is not possible to detect them.�
! Traditional ways for destroying exotics are not available. �
! Then they are like viruses or other undetectable natural disasters. �
Conclusions�
! A functional analysis of biotechnology is possible in terms of biological and technical functions.�
! These three routes allow an analysis of dissemination.�
! Genetic engineering is epistemologically different from more traditional biotechnology.�
! GMOs are uncanny and lead to undetectable threats.�